Directed by Vishal Bharadwaj

Produced by Ronnie Screwvala 

It left me in awe. Once again, music director turned film director Vishal Bhradwaj has managed to create magic on screen. As someone who loves to watch children’s films and has always dreamed of making one, I loved every frame of The Blue Umbrella. Not too many directors in India risk making children’s movies, because they’re not necessarily profitable. But clearly,  Bharadwaj is not afraid of taking risks. This is his second film for a child audience. All his ventures so far have been pretty offbeat and they’re all critically acclaimed. The Blue Umbrella is based on Ruskin Bond’s novella. It’s a delightful film that parents can watch with their kids.

Story/Plot – In Dalhousie, Himachal Pradesh Khatri lays on his charpoy (cot) listening to a robot telling him his future. Travelers, if you’re planning to visit India anytime in the future, this is a beautiful getaway. HP is a scenic place that attracts a lot of tourists from all over the world. Khatri owns a little 7/11 kind of store. He is a scruffy old guy with a childlike greed for material things. Usually these are things that a 10 year old will want too – like a binocular. And he’ll do anything to own it. One day he spots a village girl Biniya with a beautiful blue umbrella. Khatri’s heart is set on it. He tries every possible gimmick to get it from Biniya, but Biniya knows better. One day the umbrella goes missing. Obviously the first person Biniya suspects is Khatri. A humiliated Khatri decides to get a similar umbrella for himself, just to prove a point. But Biniya follows her instinct and gets to the bottom of it all. The story is not about who did it. It’s about guilt, remorse and ostracism. And the blue umbrella becomes a metaphor for all these. But the film never gets heavy, not even for a moment. Ever so lightly, the story unfolds against the backdrop of this beautiful town.

Cast – Pankaj Kapoor is one of India’s finest actors. He is versatile and sensitive. As Khatri, he breathes life into every frame that he is in. There were moments when a tight close up of him brought tears to my eyes – check out the shot when he goes to the barber. He speaks in the local accent with such ease, you might think he was born with it. Little actress Shreya is an amazing find. Her innocent, expressive eyes do a lot of the acting. She handles the role with amazing maturity.

Music – Bharadwaj’s music is haunting. The director really uses his discretion on where to put music. And where to use ambient sound. Background score really heightens the emotions of loneliness and rejection. Songs, even though in a different language are charming and have a folkish feel. 

Aesthetics – this movie wouldn’t have been the same without the cinematography of Sachin Kumar Krishnan. The blue umbrella against the lush green valleys makes a picture perfect frame. Each frame is breathtaking. Look out for the shot where Khatri is left alone in the snow and the camera pulls away.

Special mention -  the blue umbrella – it’s not an object, it’s a character in the movie. The simple humor and the little ethnic details makes the whole experience very real. Parents, kids will really enjoy the local touches that show life in a small Indian town. There are references to Ravana – the 10 headed villain in Hindu mythology whose dummy is set to fire every year in an Indian festival. Loved the free hand camerawork – when the umbrella is landing on the ground, when Khatri is scanning through his things. It is a fantastic adaptation of a book, that takes a life of its own. The use of snow is amazing.

Things that could have been different – hmmm.. really difficult to find flaws with Bharadwaj’s films. He’s a craftsman. It could have been a little tighter in the beginning, keeping in mind the short attention span of kids. Also, I would be more wary of showing kids being hit by their parents, even if it’s shown casually.  

My Two Cents – this is a film that’s rooted in Indian culture, but universally appealing. Parents, cuddle up by the fireplace and watch it with your kids on a cold wintry day, with a mug of hot chocolate. It’s almost like reading a short story to them. It’s a movie for kids and adults. And if they like this, they’ll also like Makdee by the same director.   

I tried to find a slightly different take on the movie – but couldn’t find anybody who would differ with me. This movie has been so well received. It has been named the ‘best children’s film’ at the National awards of India.  

Yesterday I attended the ‘Structuring your Doc’ workshop by Dr. Fernanda Rossi. Folks this is a wonderful workshop to participate in. A bit spendy, but then she comes all the way from the east coast to spend a whole day with you and share her wisdom based on her vast experience of doctoring documentaries. The best part is that she does not throw big words and industry terms at you and leave you more muddled than you already were. She actually comes up with solutions. And she uses simple and fun interactive games and exercises to explain concepts of structure. Also her explanations are peppered with anecdotes from her experiences. During that 7 hour period she engaged us in a few interactive exercises, made us create a documentary with little storyboards, had us watch a half hour doc. and dissect it and reviewed and doctored two trailers. The best part was that I met doc. filmmakers from different backgrounds. A grandma, a cabinet maker and whole lot others who were in the middle of making their own docs. It was a Sat. well spent. I bought her book, Trailer Mechanics. Heard good things about it. She’s also available for private consultation. So if you’re experiencing filmmaker’s block, this might be a good time to call the doc.  

If there’s one thought that I came away with, from the O show this week, it is “women we have to pass the truth to one another about who you are more than what you have.” Suze Orman was speaking to a single mom on Oprah’s show. Raised by a single mom myself, I just sat there nodding the whole time, listening to Orman. How true! This woman is all about ‘power’ in the real sense of the word. She has the power of information and knowledge and everything she says is from experience. Not only does she know her stuff, she is an amazing orator. You may agree with her or completely disagree, but you cannot ignore her.  I have never taken much interest in money matters, but listening to her has changed a few things for me. Being a mom myself, I really appreciate the meaning of what she had to say. And it makes me wonder how did you do it mom??

Directed by Reema Kagti

When I heard the storyline – six couples, honeymoon to Goa, a mystery biker and a stellar cast - I was expecting a laugh-out-loud movie from the get go. The movie had all the ingredients for a split-your-sides comedy. But for me it was bordering on slapstick. I do give credit to the young debutant director for trying something fairly new, that is not so typical Bollywood. A good Hollywood comparison would be Meet the Fockers. If you liked that movie, chances are that you might enjoy this as well.

Story/plot Six newly married couples of different shapes, sizes and age board a Pepto Bismol pink bus which has Honeymoon Travels Pvt. Ltd. written all over it in blue. They’re off to Goa for a blast of a honeymoon. First of all, why would you want to go to your honeymoon with five other couples? Anyway, that’s their problem. So here’s a glimpse at the couples. Mr. and Mrs. Perfect - A couple that never has a difference of opinion. They do synchronized swimming, if you please. And wear same shirts.  Mr. and Mrs. Bollywood - Girl is a dreamy eyed 20 something who thinks life is a Bollywood movie. Lots of opportunities here to make her funny, instead she becomes annoying. Mr. and Mrs. Bengali - They were my favorites. Guy is a conservative, uptight Bengali boy who may forget his wife, but not oiling his hair. Wife is a “I want to be free” soul who wants to break free of all traditions and her 70s style saree.   Mr. and Mrs. 55 - They’re the senior couple, bundled along with these young couples. Undoubtedly the odd ones out, but they have a fun spirit. Mr. and Mrs. ‘I hate you’ - Girl feels trapped in this wedlock. She brings in the fresh new angle of elopement.  Mr. and Mrs. Dot com - These two found each other on the internet. Little wonder they take each other by surprise, as is the case with a lot of internet products. As they explore Goa in a touristy fashion, their secrets get revealed behind closed doors. On paper, this does sound a story exploding with possibilities. Right? But somehow, the possibilities remained possibilities. They never got tapped to their fullest potential.

Cast Needless to metion, Shabana Azmi as Nazid was pure joy to watch. Kay Kay Menon was pretty funny too, especially when he tries to blow the petals off of a Bougainvillea tree to create a shower effect. Sandhya Mridul is emerging as a neat actress. But nobody was explored to their fullest potential. Sigh…

Music Nothing much to write about.

Things I liked Bold take on the gay theme, married wife eloping with her ex, the final song on the boat. 

Things I did not fancy The over-the-top fantasy element, below the belt jokes by the driver and his crew, the saree blowing away in the wind – not to my taste. 

Aesthetics Again, nothing much to write about.

My two Cent If you want a taste of something not so typical Bollywood – boy meets girl, love triangle, family drama etc - then go for Honeymoon Travels. But you could take care of a few chores while you watch this - like iron some clothes or cook an easy dinner for the family. All in all, my Hollywood friends might be intrigued and even tickled by the quirks of these Indian couples. This movie was full of potential – but it was one big lost opportunity at best.  

Many of you might have already seen this. But I still think I should share this for my own record and for those of you who missed O last week. Dr. Oz was on the show and talked about five top things that every family should follow for their kids’ health. I loved it and want to put it up in my dining room. They seem obvious, but sometimes we do miss out on the obvious in trying to reach for the more fancy. Don’t we?

1. Keep nothing off limits- he says make those decisions to eliminate junk food at the store. Don’t bring them home and then not let your kids have them. Kids are kids. They will try to go for what is forbidden.

2. No eating in front of the tv - that’s a recipe for disaster. We miss out on healthy family conversations at dinner and we end up eating more while we’re hooked to our favorite show.

3. Fiber for breakfast - yes, 7 to 10 gms is what they need everyday. Whatever you do, do not start their day with a sugar fix. Fiber will start them off with good energy and they will perform well at school.

4. Try healthy food 10 times - sounds crazy? Well, Dr. Oz says give healthy food a chance. Don’t give up, as moms that’s not an option for you. Keep trying and u know what? The tenth time if not before, they might just say “hey I actually like steamed broccoli!” Then run out and celebrate (not in a fast food restaurant.)

5. Get moving - as always staying active is key. Have a family activity machine where anyone can hop on any time of the day and get a quick 5 minute exercise. Here’s a really interesting fact - more men are obese in the US than women. The reason? Women get up and do the dishes after dinner. In my house it’s the opposite though. And you know who’s the healthier one. How about you? 

Directed by Shaad Ali Produced by Aditya Chopra

Ask a moviegoer in India and he/she will probably tell you not to watch it. Or fast forward it to the funny moments. But to my friends here in the US, I will say this – if you’re not looking for story, but a film that screams Bollywood in its rich colors, hip- swayin’ party music, cool choreography and completely unreal story twists, then Jhoom Barabar Jhoom (JBJ) is for you. Think Bombay Dreams  meets Moulin Rouge. JBJ is exaggerated with a capital E! And they have no qualms about it. And that’s what I loved about the movie. Even the director seemed to be aware that he is dishing out a highly stylized, snazzy lookin’ slick film with not much grey matter. If you go with these expectations, then trust me you won’t feel let down.

Story/plot - Film opens with the usual scenario – boy meets girl. Boy flirts with girl. Girl, Alvira Khan is ultra chic– a Pakistani British citizen with a tattoo on her uhmm.. chest. Boy, Rikki Thukral from India. Lacks class, but keeps saying “I got class” in a very charmingly uncouth fashion. Both lie to each other about being engaged. Their respective fiancées are GORGEOUS and out of this world! Everything seems to be over-the-top unreal, starting with the names. Anaida is Rikki’s stunning Pakistani girlfriend and the manager of Ritz hotel in Paris. Think BIG, dudes! Steve, Alvira’s fiancée, is a lawyer from India who works in an office that resembles a set from a James Bond movie. He is taking on none other than Madam Tussad herself in a court case. The rest of the movie is about how they keep tricking each other about their fictitious partners, while being secretly infatuated with each other. The plot thickens, as do their accents. And finally the four con artists face off in a three part song and dance sequence in London’s discotheque, Jharokha.

Cast – Abhishek Bachchan (Rikki) shines in his role as a smartass dude completely lacking class – exact opposite of Preity Zinta (Alvira), who is stylish and adequately ‘plastic’ in her expressions and her dialogue delivery. Lara Dutta (Anaida) was refreshingly appealing and of course sexy in expensive designer wear and not to be missed shoes. Finally, Bobby Deol (Steve) is someone I cannot stand as an actor. But he was the surprise item of the movie, looking cool and confident in purple suites and mocha brown frizzy hair. I think he should not try doing serious roles any more. This could be his second coming. Music and choreography – Loosely translated, JBJ means groove to the music. And music directors Shankar Eshaan Loy give you every reason to do that. The terrific trio have made this movie worth watching, or listening. Every song has a modern feel but a folkish voice that made me run out and buy the CD the next day. The songs have character and ‘class.’ They’re perfect for a Bachelor or Bachelorette party. And Vaibhavi Mechant makes you want to pause and learn the steps as you watch, especially if you are the dancing type. I was impressed by Zinta’s dance skills, the gal has come a long way. Lara, you need some more coaching baby.

Aesthetics – the song and dance sequences are complemented by hip costumes and super stylized lighting that make them look like Broadway on screen. Brocade, silk, metallic, neons – JBJ is a visual feast and a sensory delight! 

Things I loved - Pakistani influences in the film, the India Pakistan love affair, Rikki’s funny dialogues, Lara Dutta’s Parisian accent, Rikki’s rainbow colored shirt in the song sequence in India, Rikki’s Pakistani friend and Big B. Things that didn’t work for me - it could have been tighter. There are awkward pauses between dialogues and the script is loose.

My two cent – if you’re looking to review a Bollywood movie for your Master’s thesis paper, then you’re going the wrong direction. But if you want to have a blast on a Friday night with a batch of friends and a bag of popcorns, then this is your movie. Watch it on a big screen tv with surround sound.

Note: Big B is Amitabh Bachchan, India’s veteran actor known as the ‘angry young man’ of the 70s. He is also Abhishek Bachchan’s father.

For a different take on JBJ, read this review on Bollywood Gate.

Sometimes I feel like I never know what is the right thing to do as a mom. Just when I feel comfortable about something, they tell us “stop using it!”, it could be detrimental to your little one’s health. It’s important that we moms keep up with our reading. This afternoon I read a follow up article on cnn about infants and over the counter medicines. My li’l one has a runny nose pretty often, thanks to his daycare. I guess once they’re out there, you have to learn to let go. That’s the only way their bodies will learn to fight and build immunity. He doesn’t really like the taste of water. But I mix it with Gripe water, a magic potion for kids (available at any Indian store) and he drinks the water in a jiffy! That’s a great way to keep him hydrated. It works for me. Otherwise, how on earth do you make your kid or anyone like the taste of water??